Even At Leadoff, Kelly Isn't Complaining

It's been more than a month since the Cincinnati Reds traded Roberto Kelly to Atlanta for Deion Sanders, but the shock has yet to wear off for the Braves' new center fielder.

Kelly, sitting half-dressed Saturday afternoon in the visiting clubhouse at Joe Robbie Stadium, shook his head when asked why Cincinnati would make the trade when it appeared the Panamanian-born outfielder was in the midst of a career year.

"It took me completely by surprise," said Kelly, 29. "I was playing good, and I wasn't having problems with anyone there. I didn't see a reason for it, especially since they were trading an outfielder for an outfielder."

Kelly isn't complaining. Neither are the Braves. Since Kelly was acquired May29, he has been one of the National League's leading hitters, compiling a .346 average in 30 games. His 58 runs and 98 hits rank seventh.

"He's done even more than we expected," manager Bobby Cox said. "The man does everything well."

Cox said the Braves weren't looking to trade Sanders until they were approached. The Reds were looking for a speedy leadoff hitter, and Atlanta was searching for a right-handed hitter to balance a lineup heavy on the left.

"The deal was done in two days," Cox said.

Kelly said he was initially apprehensive about the trade.

Sanders, unquestionably the highest profile athlete in Atlanta, was a fan favorite. But Kelly's biggest concern was the Braves' desire to bat him leadoff.

"I like to bat second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth, anywhere but leadoff," said Kelly, who has 15 stolen bases this year, 187 in six seasons.

"The first thing I did when I got to Atlanta was meet with Bobby. I wanted to make sure he wasn't expecting me to get 100 walks or anything like that."

Kelly admits patience, a virtue for a leadoff hitter, isn't one of his strengths. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is nearly 3 to 1.

That doesn't mean Kelly doesn't know how to get on. His .421 on-base percentage leads National League leadoff hitters. Sanders does not rank among the top 10.

"I told him if he wanted to swing at the first pitch every at-bat, go ahead," Cox said. "I told him to keep doing the things he's always done."

Cox said a .320 average, 20 home runs and 40 stolen bases are numbers that Kelly can meet. Expectations have been high for Kelly since he broke into the majors with the New York Yankees in 1987.

He became a regular in 1989, batting .302 with 35 stolen bases. He had his best season in 1990, setting his highs in runs (85) and steals (42).

But Kelly's relationship with Yankee management soured irreparably in 1992 when he was moved from center to left field. Kelly asked for a trade and New York accommodated, sending him to Cincinnati before the 1993 season for Paul O'Neill.

Kelly had little trouble adjusting, leading the NL in hits (102) and ranking among the leaders in steals (21) before separating his left shoulder July2 trying to make a diving catch.